Nara Park is a large park with the Todaiji and Kofukuji temples and the Kasuga Shrine in it.
About 1,200 deer roam freely in this park. They are seen as sacred and it is a crime to kill one. Instead of being game for hunters or local nuisances, the deer are considered residents of the area.
(Below you can see one bowing to a tourist.)
Tourists can buy deer treats known as “shika senbei” to feed the deer. The deer have realized that tourists = food, so whether you buy shika senbei or not they will come after you. They may also attempt to eat anything else that looks appealing to them. They don’t really attack, but watch out for the bucks (they have antlers and they aren’t afraid to poke you until you surrender your shika senbei).
*Shika Senbei is not meant for human consumption.
Access: JR Nara ( From Kyoto Station: 1 hour, 690 yen )
Kintetsu Nara ( From Kyoto Station: about 45 mins., 610 yen )
